The Female Reproductive System

Flashcards about the female reproductive system

What are the main purposes of the female reproductive system?

Produces and delivers gametes; Provides nutrition and safe harbor for fetal development; Gives birth; Nourishes infant

What organs are part of the internal female genitalia?

Ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus, and vagina

What organs are part of the external female genitalia?

Clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora

What are the primary sex organs in females?

Ovaries

What are the secondary sex organs in females?

Other internal and external genitalia

What are the ovaries?

Female gonads that produce egg cells (ova) and sex hormones

How are the ovaries attached in the pelvic region?

Attached to uterus by ovarian ligament; Attached to pelvic wall by suspensory ligament; Anchored to broad ligament by mesovarium

From what two arteries does the ovary receive blood?

Ovarian branch of the uterine artery and the ovarian artery

Define ovulation.

Bursting of the follicle and releasing of the egg

What are the major portions of the uterine tube?

Infundibulum, Fimbriae, Ampulla, Isthmus

What is the main function of the uterus?

Harbors fetus, provides a source of nutrition, and expels the fetus at the end of its development

What are the three major regions of the uterus?

Fundus, Body (corpus), Cervix

What are the three layers of the uterine wall?

Perimetrium, Myometrium, Endometrium

What are the two layers of the endometrium?

Functional layer (stratum functionalis) and Basal layer (stratum basalis)

What are the two parts of the broad ligament?

Mesosalpinx and Mesometrium

What are the ligaments that support the uterus?

Cardinal (lateral cervical) ligaments, Uterosacral ligaments, Round ligaments

Define metaplasia as it relates to the vagina.

Vaginal epithelium transformation from one tissue type to another

What structures make up the vulva or female external genitalia?

Mons pubis, Labia majora, Labia minora, Clitoris